My name is Stephanie (she/her), and I’m a licensed therapist dedicated to creating a supportive, affirming space where clients can feel seen, heard, and empowered. I hold a Master of Social Work, earned with distinction from Cal State University, Northridge, and have been working in the field since 2018. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ adults, identity exploration, life transitions, and emotional wellness. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking greater clarity, I’m here to walk alongside you. My goal is to help you make sense of your experiences, identify what matters most, and develop tools that support lasting, meaningful change. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded in respect, curiosity, and care.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take a more structured and focused approach as we complete an initial assessment. During this time, I will ask specific questions to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges you’re facing and how they are impacting your daily life. We’ll briefly explore various aspects of your life and collaborate to establish meaningful therapy goals. After the initial session (or two, if we have a lot to cover), our sessions will become more flexible, allowing us to focus on whatever matters most to you as you progress in your journey.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes me unique as a therapist is the blend of personal identity, lived experience, and a nontraditional path to this work. Before becoming a social worker, I worked in digital marketing—an experience that deepened my understanding of communication, human behavior, and the many pressures people face in modern life. In my experience as a social worker, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across a wide range of identities and needs, and I bring a deep respect for each person’s unique story. I identify as as cisgender female and as a lesbian and I am intentionally mindful of the role that our intersectional identities play in our internal and external circumstances. I hold a strong commitment to providing affirming, inclusive care, and I approach each client with curiosity, empathy, and an awareness of the systems that shape our lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
As a therapist, I work with individuals across all identities and age groups, with a particular focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and adults. I create a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their unique experiences, challenges, and goals. Whether addressing identity development, relationship dynamics, mental health, or navigating life transitions, I help clients develop strategies that foster resilience and self-empowerment, while honoring their authentic selves.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on helping you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT to support clients in identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical tools to shift those patterns in ways that reduce distress and improve daily functioning. It’s a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that empowers you to take meaningful steps toward lasting change.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) helps clients build skills to manage intense emotions, navigate relationships more effectively, and cope with distress in healthier ways. In my practice, I use DBT to support clients in developing mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Together, we work to create balance—honoring where you are while moving toward meaningful change.
Humanistic
Humanistic Therapy is grounded in the belief that each person has the capacity for growth, self-awareness, and healing. In my practice, I create a supportive, empathetic space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I focus on helping you connect with your authentic self, build self-compassion, and make choices that align with your values and sense of purpose.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care means recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and creating a therapeutic environment that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. In my practice, I take care to understand how past experiences may be affecting your present well-being. I prioritize trust, collaboration, and choice, always working at your pace to ensure that healing happens in a way that feels respectful and non-retraumatizing.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy seeks to change the brain's relationship to stressful memories/experiences. Research has demonstrated its efficacy across many different diagnoses and populations. EMDR can provide a great sense or relief for clients but can also be highly dysregulating as the brain processes experiences it has otherwise compartmentalized. Therefore, I list it as a treatment modality with a caveat that ultimately a client needs to be appropriate for EMDR before I suggest or provide this treatment. Clients who are most appropriate generally have solid support systems in place, successful tools for self-regulating, are not currently abusing alcohol or drugs, and have a high degree of distress tolerance. I am happy to discuss this further if you are interested. I am EMDR trained from an EMDRIA approved organization.